Each was given a minute to state their case before moving on to the questions at the event on Wednesday evening.

One question was about the provision of quality primary education places for all the children, taking into account new housing, particularly in Buckshaw Village, and whether an intake of 90 was appropriate and a good standard of education could be provided.

Mr Hoyle said 84 per cent of primary school entrants in Chorley had got their first choice of school.

He said: “We have not got to go down the line of having free schools.

“Let us build houses for local needs, stop the speculators and developers from taking over.”

Mr Loughenbury said: “Lancashire County Council in the past five years has received £65m from the government for new school places. The problem is that it has been spent elsewhere than in Chorley.”

Another question was: What would you do to benefit young people in Chorley?

Mr Fenn said: “We’d like the see the apprenticeships scheme expanded to give the young people the opportunity to get into work.”

Mr Straw said: “I’d like to see apprenticeships available for everyone.”

And the candidates were asked how they would improve rail links for Chorley to Manchester.

Mr Smith said: “I think should be providing much more money on our transport in the north.”

Mr Maudsely said: “I’m opposed to HS2. I would prefer to see money invested in the rail system. We would like to see a fully integrated bus and rail system.”